Security & Fraud Prevention Center

 

Stay Alert, Stay Safe: Your Guide to Scam Awareness with TOPCU

Our highest priority is protecting your accounts and personal information.

TOPCU will never call, email or text you asking for a one-time passcode, your account password, your debit card number or any other sensitive information.

Identifying Genuine Communications from TOPCU

Genuine communications from TOPCU will always have recognizable characteristics, such as an official email address (info@topcu.org). TOPCU will never request your one-time passcode, card number, PIN, and CVV number. Look for consistency in branding and avoid any communication that pressures you for immediate action or personal details.

Your Peace of Mind is Key: If you ever feel uneasy or doubt the legitimacy of a call claiming to be on behalf of TOPCU, we strongly encourage you to take the following steps:

Politely end the call.

Directly contact us by calling the number on the back of your card. This ensures you are speaking to our genuine team.

Understanding Zelle Scams

Zelle scams often involve fraudsters posing as known contacts or other institutions, urging you to send money or divulge login credentials. They might send alarming messages about unauthorized transactions, requiring you to act swiftly. Always verify such requests independently through known contact information.

Protective Measures Against Scams

Enhance your account security by setting up alerts for unusual activities and regularly reviewing account transactions. Utilize two-factor authentication and maintain robust, unique passwords for an added layer of defense against unauthorized access.

Dealing with Suspicious Activities

If you encounter a potential scam, refrain from responding or taking any requested action. Document the suspicious activity and report it directly to TOPCU through official channels. It’s crucial to act promptly to safeguard your account and assist in preventing further fraudulent attempts.

By understanding these aspects and applying the recommended protective measures, you can significantly mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams and ensure your financial security.

Scammers are crafty, but their tactics have common red flags

 In our Tucson community, staying informed about common scams, particularly those targeting mobile payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App, is crucial. Scammers increasingly use sophisticated methods to deceive users, making it essential to recognize the signs of mobile payment app scams. These can include unexpected requests for money, suspicious payment links, or messages claiming to be from TOPCU. Awareness and education on these tactics are your first line of defense in keeping your finances secure in our digital age.

Is Your Phone Ringing with Our Number?

It Might Not Be Us!

If in doubt, hang up and call us back on the official (520) 881-6262.

Fake Sites, Real Risks

Don’t be fooled by look-alike login pages. We won’t ask you to verify account details through text links.

Got a 'TOPCU Alert' text? Think Twice!

Before clicking any links, remember, we’ll never text you for personal info.

Your Data Is Safe with Us

We’ll never ask for your PIN, password, or OTP over text or call.

Mistakes Happen, We're Here to Help

Shared your info by accident? Call us immediately for support.

How to Stay Safe:

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Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. Pause, think, and verify before acting.

Beware of Urgency

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Add an extra security layer to your account with Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), guarding against unauthorized access. 

2FA

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If you’re uncertain about a money request, contact us directly at TOPCU’s official number. Safety first! 

Verify Sender Identity

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Transact with Known Contacts: Keep your Zelle transactions to people you know well to minimize risk.

Unexpected Calls or Alerts

  • If you get a text or call that seems to be from us asking for account details, be cautious—it might not be us.

Remember, TOPCU will never request your one-time passcode, card number, PIN, and CVV number. 

Unexpected Calls or Texts

Do you believe that your device, account, or personal information has been compromised?

If you feel your device, account, or personal information may have been compromised, rest assured, we are here to help. Follow these three steps:

  1. Change your online credentials, including your username and password, immediately
    • This can be done in the Settings > Security section of online and mobile banking
  2. Contact us immediately at (520) 881-6262
    • Describe the situation to us so that we can help find a solution
  3. Have your computer/mobile device scanned for malware

If you have questions on the legitimacy of an email or text message, please contact us

2024 Scam Tracker

TEP Scams

Scammers pretend to be from Tucson Electric Company (TEP) and try to get your social security number or money.

Phone Scams

Remember, TOPCU will never request your one-time passcode, card number, PIN, and CVV number. Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information.
 
If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from TOPCU, exercise caution. Always feel free to ask questions or simply hang up and call us back through our official contact number at (520) 881-6262

“Am I safe, or am I being scammed?”

Know the red flags

The most common types of scams will target you through fake emails, text messages, voice calls, letters or even someone who shows up at your front door unexpectedly. No matter which technique the scammer uses, you may be:
  • Pressured to give personal information (One time pass codes, account info)
  • Threatened with law enforcement action
  • Told to purchase gift cards and provide codes as a form of payment
  • Asked to deposit a check that overpays for something you’re selling, then send the difference elsewhere

The best ways to avoid being scammed

 

Don’t respond: If you’re not 100% certain of the source of the call, email or text, then hang up the phone, don’t click on the link in the email and don’t reply to the text message.
Don’t trust caller ID or answer phone calls from unknown numbers: If you recognize the caller ID but the call seems suspicious, hang up the phone. Phone numbers can be easily spoofed to appear to be from a legitimate caller.
Don’t give out your information: Never provide any personally identifiable information unless you’re absolutely certain the person and reason are legitimate. Remember: TOPCU will never ask you to send us personal information such as an account number, Social Security number, one-time passcode,  or Tax ID over text, email or online.
Research and validate: If the individual or organization seems suspicious, make sure the request being made is legitimate by calling the organization through an official number from their website or consulting with a trusted family member or friend.
If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, Call or Text us at: (520) 881-6262, ext. 702 to learn more.

Customize real-time activity alerts for your TOPCU accounts and Visa® Credit & Debit cards to avoid fees, fraud, overdrafts, and suspicious activity.

Fend off banking fraud before it starts.

Report Scams to the FTC

If you were scammed or think you saw a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission

Find out steps you can take if you were scammed.

What To Do if You Were Scammed

Your complaint could help the FTC stop the scammers.

Report Fraud, Scams, and Bad Business Practices

SCAM Alerts

As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! The Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona monitors and reports on scams to keep the Tucson community up to date on these malicious activities. Keep updated with the BBB Scam Tracker.

Traveling? Let TOPCU Know Before You Go

Whether you’re traveling in the United States or overseas, please notify TOPCU prior to your travel so that we may flag your account and avoid any issues using your ATM or Debit cards.

To notify us about travel, or if you have additional questions, contact us at (520) 881-6262 ext 702 or by email at info@topcu.org.

 

Security & Safety

TOPCU takes every precaution to protect our members’ information and data security is the number one priority. If you suspect fraud on your account, please let us know right away by calling (520) 881-6262 ext. 702 or toll-free at (800) 440-8328, or visit your local branch.

IMPORTANT SAFETY ALERT: We continue to monitor fraudulent activity in the United States and abroad. TOPCU cards will be blocked for your protection in areas we deem a security risk. Please let us know if you are traveling, so we can put a VIP travel notification on your account.

Identity Theft Resources

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Arizona has ranked high on the list of all states in identity theft. Identity theft occurs when a criminal steals another person’s personal information to take on that person’s identity. Identity theft is much more than misuse of a Social Security number—it can also include credit card and mail fraud. Knowledge and awareness are key ingredients in arming yourself against identity theft.

The FTC Consumer Information site is a one-stop national resource about identity theft, providing current information and practical tips to help you deter, detect, and defend yourself from fraudulent activities. Learn more at the FTC online resource center.

You can also find additional information on Identity Theft from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.